To Ground Water Guide Home®
Minnesota
Ground Water Directory
Contents Overview
Minnesota State Agencies with Ground-Water Responsibilities .....................ii
Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
Quick Guide to Ground Water: Who Does What?....................................... 3
Ground Water: Who Does What? Listed by Topic...................................... 4
Ground Water: Who Does What? Listed by State Organization ..................10
Local Government Agencies ..................................................................13
Federal Agencies.................................................................................14
Featured Web Sites .............................................................................15
State Agency Regional Offices...............................................................16
by Tim Thurnblad, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
November 4, 2008
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Minnesota State Agencies
with Ground-Water Responsibilities
(by Common Acronym)
Minnesota Board of
Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-3767
toll-free/TTY (800) 627-3529
Minnesota Department
of Agriculture (MDA)
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 201-6000
toll-free/TTY (800) 627-3529
Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR)
Waters Division
500 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 259-5700
toll-free/TTY (800) 657-3929
Minnesota Department
of Health (MDH)
Environmental Health Division
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
(651) 201-5000
TTY (651) 201-5797
Minnesota Department of Public
Safety (DPS), Minnesota Duty Officer
(651) 649-5451
toll-free (800) 422-0798
Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS)1
2642 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
(612) 627-4780
Minnesota Environmental
Quality Board (EQB)
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 201-2480
Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA)
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-6300
toll-free/TTY (800) 657-3864
www.bwsr.state.mn.us
www.mda.state.mn.us
www.dnr.state.mn.us
www.health.state.mn.us
www.dps.state.mn.us
www.geo.umn.edu/mgs/
www.eqb.state.mn.us/
www.pca.state.mn.us
Minnesota Land Management
Information Center (LMIC)
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 201-2488
www.lmic.state.mn.us/
2 See last page for State agency office locations in greater Minnesota
1: The MGS is part of the University of Minnesota.
Cover illustration provided courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey. Source: Stoner, J. D., Cowdery, T.
K., and Puckett, L. J., 1997, Ground-water age dating and other tools used to assess land-use effects
on water quality: U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations Report 97-4150. 6 p.
ii
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
MINNESOTA
Ground Water
Introduction
Ground water is one of Minnesota’s
most precious resources. Like clouds, rain,
lakes and streams, ground water is a part
of the hydrologic cycle that sustains life by
circulating water above, below and
through all living things.
Normally, Minnesota ground water flows
into (and replenishes) streams, lakes or
wetlands. Only a very small percentage of
ground water exits as natural springs.
Ground water also plays a major role in
sustaining our lakes and streams,
especially in times of sparse precipitation.
We are familiar with rain, streams and
lakes because we see them regularly. But
when water from these sources moves
downward through soil, sediments or
openings in rock, it enters a subsurface
realm that is hidden from our view. If it
travels deep enough, it becomes part of
our valuable ground-water system.
What are you drinking?
More than 70 percent of Minnesotans use
ground water for their drinking water and
household water supply. In Minnesota,
ground water is more geographically
available and naturally more pure than
lakes or streams. Ground water is also
tapped for irrigation and for industrial and
commercial purposes.
Most ground water is always on the move,
slowly flowing through openings in
subsurface materials like the small pores
between sand grains or cracks in rock.
By installing a well down to an
appropriate depth, we can usually pump
Think Locally!
Although this directory focuses on services available from state agencies, it is usually wise to
start by looking locally for information about ground water. Your county water-plan
coordinator or environmental office may have information about local ground-water issues.
Consult your local telephone directory or county web site for knowledgeable local contacts.
Page 1
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
to assess ground-water resources and
manage the amount of ground water
used.
ground water into the well and through
water supply pipelines to meet these
needs. Even where no lakes or streams
exist, adequate ground-water supplies
often are available for our use and
benefit.
For all of these reasons, it is important to
protect our supply of good-quality ground
water now and into the future.
Minnesotans’ health, quality of life and
economic stability rely upon a clean
dependable supply of ground water for
our cities and rural communities. But
since ground water is normally out of
sight, it is easy to forget how valuable
and vulnerable a resource it is.
Who protects Minnesota’s
ground water?
The management and protection of
Minnesota’s ground water is a challenging,
complex task. A wide range of
environmental and health-based laws
apply to ground water, and a wide array of
expertise is needed to protect and manage
it. For these reasons and other practical
considerations, a variety of local, state and
federal organizations are charged with
specific ground-water-related
responsibilities. Some of these
responsibilities are unique to one agency
or organization; some necessarily are
shared.
Is our ground water safe?
Ground water can be harmed or
depleted if it is not carefully monitored,
managed and protected. In Minnesota,
we have worked long and hard to clean
up ground-water contamination caused
by human activities. Despite these
efforts, elevated concentrations of
contaminants such as nitrate from
widespread land-use activities are still
common in Minnesota ground water.
This directory outlines the ground-waterrelated responsibilities and services of
state organizations and lists contact
information. The focus of this directory is
on Minnesota state agencies, but general
information about local and federal
organizations is also included. Readers
are encouraged to consider checking for
assistance with local organizations before
contacting state agencies; this is usually
the best approach in most counties.
Cleaning up ground water is difficult
and expensive. Experience shows that it
is less expensive to protect ground water
from contamination than to remove
contaminants after the fact. Similarly, it
makes good sense to protect our supply
of ground water from overuse to avoid
serious shortages. To ensure an adequate
supply for the future, we need to continue
.
Page 2
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Quick Guide to Ground Water: Who Does What?
MDA - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
MDH - Minnesota Department of Health
MGS - Minnesota Geological Survey
MPCA - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
M
BWSR - Board of Water and Soil Resources
DNR - Department of Natural Resources
DPS - Department of Public Safety
EQB - Environmental Quality Board
LMIC - Land Management Information Center
I n m o s t c o u n t i e s , i t ’ s u s u a l l y b e s t t o c h e c k w i t h Local Government Agencies
before contacting State agencies for assistance.
Key:
Agencies listed in bold have lead or primary responsibility on the topic or issue.
Agencies listed in regular type may get involved or have information.
Ground-Water Service or Issue
Organization
Data Collection and Analysis
Ground-Water Levels, Water Use (Quantity) and Sustainable Use
Quality of Ground Water
Geology, Ground-Water Mapping, Modeling
Statewide Ground-Water Data Sets
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data
DNR, MGS, EQB,
MPCA, MDA, MDH
DNR, MGS, MDH
MDH, MPCA, DNR, MGS, LMIC
LMIC, DNR, MGS
Note: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) works closely with state agencies in the above work areas.
Well Installation and Sealing (including notifications and permits)
Installing Wells
Unused (Abandoned) Wells
Well Disclosure during a Property Transaction
Identifying Well Owners
Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems
MDH, DNR, MDA
MDH MGS, DNR
MDH
MDH, MGS
MDH
Note: Approximately ten delegated (local) well programs work with MDH to administer Minnesota’s well program.
Permitting for Water Appropriations, Discharges, etc.
Water Quantity: water appropriations (withdrawals)
Water Quality: discharge permits, contamination pump out wells, etc.
Chemigation
Drinking Water Protection and Testing
Testing and Inspecting Public Water Supplies
Testing Private (Household) Wells
Protecting Public Water Supplies
Health Effects of Contaminants in Drinking Water
Ground-Water Contamination and Cleanup
Spills or Emergencies -- Report to the Minnesota Duty Officer
Agricultural Chemicals
Nonagricultural Chemicals
Ground-Water Policy and Priorities
Coordinating Ground-water Policy and Priorities among Agencies
Ground-Water Education
Educational Programs or Materials
Page 3
DNR
MPCA
MDA
MDH
MDH
MDH, MPCA, DNR, MGS
MDH
DPS
MDA
MPCA
EQB
DNR, MPCA, MDA, MDH, MGS,
BWSR
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Ground Water: Who Does What?
Listed by Topic
This section provides details about which state agencies offer services to address specific groundwater issues. However, it is only a summary. Use the contacts or Web site addresses in this directory
to find out more. And remember that, in most counties, it’s usually best to check with local
government organizations before contacting State agencies for assistance.
Data Collection and Analysis
Ground-Water Levels, Water Use (Quantity) and Sustainable Use
Water Levels and Water Use
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tracks ground-water use and ground-water
levels. It also analyzes related trends, such as how climate and water use affect the quantity of
available ground water. In some cases, the DNR oversees aquifer tests to determine whether
pumping a new or existing well affects water levels in nearby wells. DNR: (651) 259-5700
The Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) maintains the County Well Index database which has
water-level data from more than 300,000 wells statewide and the ability to select data by aquifer,
location, and other parameters. MGS: (612) 627-4780
Sustainable Use
The Metropolitan Council (Met Council) is responsible for planning for the regional water supply
for the seven-county metropolitan region. As a part of this responsibility, the Council periodically
updates data and information on water supply and demand and prepares water use projections for
the metropolitan area. Met Council: (651) 602-1000
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) works with sustainable development issues.
MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864. The Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) has web pages and fact sheets about the sustainability of Minnesota’s ground
water. DNR, Division of Waters: (651) 259-5700
The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) has developed a planning guide for local comprehensive
planning and sustainable development that shows how water issues should fit into the bigger picture
of land use and other local government issues. EQB: (651) 201-2480
Quality of Ground Water
You can often find out about the quality of ground water in your area from your county water plan
coordinator.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(MDA) sample wells on a statewide or regional basis. The MDA analyzes ground water samples for
Page 4
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
chemicals originating from pesticides and commercial fertilizers. The MPCA analyzes ground water
samples for nonagricultural chemicals, such as solvents and metals. The MPCA is also responsible
for sampling related to feedlots and manure storage facilities. MDA: (651) 201-6000, MPCA: (651)
296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864
Geology, Ground-Water Mapping and Modeling
Working with county staff, the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) and the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) study underground conditions in selected county
and multi-county areas. The study results include maps and information on ground-water depth
and flow direction, and areas that are sensitive to contamination. For more information, contact
your county water-plan coordinator or MGS: (612) 627-4780, DNR: (651) 259-5700
One example of how these maps and information are used is the Metropolitan Area Groundwater
Model (Metro Model). The Metro Model is used as a water-use prediction and management
tool by the Metropolitan Council (Met Council). The Metro Model is maintained
by the Met Council. Met Council: (651) 602-1000
Statewide Ground-Water Data Sets
Several agencies have collected ground-water data from extensive areas around Minnesota. Some
data sets that include fairly representative coverage of the entire state are listed below.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extensive ground-water quality data from
a 1992 - 1996 statewide monitoring project that included 954 wells and additional data from more
recent, smaller studies. MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864
The Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) County Well Index database includes information for
more than 300,000 wells statewide. MGS: (612) 627-4784
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has water-quality information for approximately
16,000 public water supply wells. MDH: (651) 201-4700
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has ground-water level information for
approximately 1,500 observation wells. DNR: (651) 259-5700
The Land Management Information Center (LMIC) stores and provides access to ground water
data from several state agencies. LMIC: (651) 297-4986
Well Installation, Sealing and Permits
Installing Wells
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) administers standards for well construction, repair
and sealing and licenses well contractors. When installing a new well, use a licensed well contractor
and notify the MDH. Some city and county health departments oversee well installation for MDH.
For information, check with your county or city health department, or MDH: (651) 201-4600.
If you are installing a well, be aware of the following additional requirements and restrictions:
Page 5
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
If the new well will pump large amounts of water (more than 10,000 gallons a day or more than
one million gallons a year), you will need a water-use permit from the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). DNR: (651) 259-5700
If the new well will be used for a dairy, or food processing or chemigation (irrigation with
pesticides or fertilizers), you will need approval from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(MDA). MDA: (651) 201-6000
In some areas, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) designates Special Well
Construction Areas where installation of new wells is restricted or requires special well
construction due to ground-water contamination. MDH: (651) 201-4600
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Closed Landfill Program regulates new well
installation within the landfill’s permitted boundaries. MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800)
657-3864
Unused (Abandoned) Wells
If you have an unused (not-in-use) well, you must either return the well to service, permanently have
the well sealed by a licensed well contractor, or obtain a maintenance permit. For information, call
your city or county health department, or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). MDH:
(651) 201-4600
In some areas of Minnesota, cost-share programs for sealing unused wells may be available.
Check with your county water-plan coordinator, your local Soil and Water Conservation District or
the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). MDH: (651) 201-4600
The County Well Index database at the Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) is often used to
check for records of unused wells before property transfers are made. MGS: (612) 627-4780
Well Disclosure during a Property Transaction
When you sell property, you’re required to report to the buyer and the Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH) the location of all wells and information on whether the wells are in use, not in
use, or sealed. A well disclosure certificate must be filed with the County Recorder when recording
the deed. MDH: (651) 201-4600
Identifying Well Owners
If you need to find the owner of a well, first look to see if the well is labeled with a unique well
number (a six-digit number) to help identify the well. Then, contact the Minnesota Department
of Health (MDH). MDH: (651) 201-4600 The Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) may also be
helpful in finding well ownership information. MGS: (612) 627-4780
If the well is labeled with a DNR observation well number, contact the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR: (651) 259-5700
Page 6
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Drinking Water Protection and Testing
Testing and Inspecting Public Water Supplies
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) checks public water supplies regularly to ensure
their safety. Water sampling results are compared to applicable water-quality standards to protect the
public. For more information, contact your local water utility or MDH: (651) 201-4700.
Testing Private (Household) Wells
Private well owners should test their wells for bacteria, nitrate and arsenic when it is installed and at
least once a year for bacteria and at least once every two years for nitrate, using a certified laboratory.
Contact your local health department for information on certified laboratories in your area.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or your local health department can help you in
deciding whether tests for other chemicals are needed. Contact your city or county health
department, or MDH: (651) 201-4600
Information is also available from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Nitrate Water
Testing Program. MDA: (651) 297-3491
Protecting Public Water Supplies
Wellhead Protection Areas
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works with public water suppliers to develop
and implement wellhead-protection plans to prevent contamination of water supplies. The term
‘source-water protection,’ which includes surface-water source protection, is also used for this
activity. MDH: (651) 201-4700
The Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) provides geologic mapping to delineate wellhead
protection areas. MGS: (612) 627-4780
Emergency and Contingency Planning for Public Water Supplies
Public water suppliers are required to have contingency plans for water shortages or other
emergencies that may affect a water supply.
The Metropolitan Council reviews conservation and emergency plans in the metropolitan area.
Met Council: (651) 602-1000
Contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding contingency
plans needed for approval of ground-water appropriation permits for large water users.
DNR: (651) 259-5700
Health Effects of Contaminants in Drinking Water
If testing shows that your drinking water contains nitrates or other contaminants, consult your
Page 7
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
local health department or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) about the test results or for
advice on whether or not a drinking water treatment device is needed. The MDH evaluates the
health effects of contaminants in drinking water and sets levels at which water is safe to drink.
MDH: (651) 201-4901. Other more specific contact numbers at MDH include the following:
Health Risk Limits for Drinking Water, MDH: (651) 201-4899 or (651) 201-4901
Safety of Public Water Supplies, MDH: (651) 201-4700
Private Wells, MDH: (651) 201-4600
Drinking Water Treatment Devices: advice on when water-treatment devices are needed and the
type of device needed for a particular contamination problem. MDH: (651) 201-4700 or (651)
201-4600 (for private wells)
Bottled-water Testing: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) requires periodic
testing of water at bottling plants to ensure the water’s quality. MDA: (651) 297-2200
Contamination and Cleanup
Reporting Spills
2 Spills of over five gallons of petroleum or any quantity of other substances or material that can
cause pollution must be reported to the Minnesota Duty Officer at the Minnesota Department of
Public Safety (DPS). Minnesota Duty Officer: (651) 649-5451, or toll-free (800) 422-0798
Agricultural
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) oversees the cleanup of contamination
resulting from pesticide and commercial fertilizer spills, leaks or accidents. MDA: (651) 297-7286
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is responsible for feedlots and manure storage
facilities. MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864
Non-Agricultural
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) oversees the investigation and cleanup of
contamination originating from nonagricultural sources. Examples include chemical spills, leaks and
waste disposal, including hazardous waste, as indicated in the list below. For more details and
contact information, visit the MPCA “Cleanup” Web page or the MPCA “Who to Call” Web Page.
MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864 (When appropriate, ask for a member of the
Emergency Response Team.)
Spills: cleanup of spills.
Tank Leaks: Remediation of leaks from storage tanks.
Petroleum Brownfields Program: working with voluntary parties to investigate and, if necessary,
clean up property potentially contaminated with petroleum products and provide liability
assurances to promote property re-use and re-development.
Page 8
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Closed Municipal Solid Waste Landfills: monitoring and cleanup of contamination resulting from
closed municipal solid waste landfills.
Open Solid Waste Landfills: Monitoring landfills still receiving waste.
Superfund: cleanup of contamination from improper disposal or spills of hazardous materials,
pollutants or contaminants that pose a threat or potential threat to public health or the
environment.
Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup Program (VIC): working with voluntary parties to
investigate and, if necessary, clean up potentially contaminated property and provide liability
assurances to promote property reuse.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action: working with existing
facilities to investigate and clean up past contamination.
Permits for Ground-water Pump-out Wells
When ground-water cleanup involves pumping out contaminated ground water, permits are
needed from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR).
For the water appropriation permit, contact the DNR: (651) 259-5700
For a State Disposal System Permit, contact the MPCA: (651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 6573864. Pump-out permit application forms are available to download from the MPCA Web site.
Ground-Water Education
Many state and county agencies have educational programs and materials on ground water. Check
first with your county water-plan coordinator or Extension office (Web Page).
The Minnesota Ground-Water Association (MGWA) has a ground-water education Web Page..
MGWA: (651) 757-2790
The SEEK Web Site is an interactive directory of Minnesota’s environmental education
resources.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has an environmental “Learning Resource
Center” and library with videos, fact sheets, newsletters and much more. MPCA: (651) 296-6300,
toll-free (800) 657-3864
Minnesota Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) provides resources for educators; some
of those resources can be viewed on the WET Web Page. DNR: (651) 259-5706
Page 9
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Ground Water: Who Does What?
Listed by State Organization
(Emphasis on Ground-Water Protection)
Minnesota statutes provide for a multi-agency approach to protect Minnesota ground water. In the tables
below, state organizations are listed with examples of their major ground-water responsibilities.
In most counties, it’s usually best to check with local organizations before contacting
State agencies for assistance.
Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
(651) 296-3767
Responsibilities: outreach with local government units, local water management, local cost-share programs,
wetland conservation.
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) reserve, a program allowing landowners to take (651) 296-0880
marginal agricultural land out of production for water-quality protection
Local water management
Twin Cities metropolitan area ground-water and surface-water planning
Wetland Conservation
(651) 296-3767
(651) 297-2906
(651) 296-3767
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Division of Waters
(651) 259-5700
Responsibilities: water-quantity monitoring and regulation, sensitivity mapping, development of a plan for
using integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture on state-owned lands.
Ground-water level monitoring
Stream flow, including base flow from ground
water
Geologic atlases, hydrogeologic assessments,
geologic sensitivity mapping
Water use (withdrawals) regulation
Department of Public Safety (DPS) - Minnesota Duty Officer
(651) 649-5451 or (800) 422-0798
Responsibilities: emergency management.
Page 10
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
To report a spill, leak or environmental accident, call the Minnesota Duty Officer 24-hours a day, seven
days a week.
Environmental Quality Board (EQB)
(651) 201-2480
Responsibilities: oversight of the state Environmental Review Program, coordination of state groundwater protection programs, development of periodic ground-water policy reports and preparation of the
decadal state water plan.
Environmental review of proposed development
Ground-water planning, policy and priorities development
Land Management Information Center (LMIC)
(651) 201-2488
Responsibilities: the Land Management Information Center (LMIC).helps government and nongovernment organizations through the creative use of GIS and other geospatial information technologies.
LIMIC works with state, local and federal governments, professional associations, universities, nonprofit
organizations and businesses to coordinate activities related to GIS technology and data development.
Key service categories include data services, mapping, consulting services and decision support systems.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
(651) 201-6000
Responsibilities: Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management, water-quality monitoring,
development of best management practices, regulations to protect ground water from agricultural chemical
contaminants, investigation and clean up of agricultural chemical contamination sites.
Bulk pesticide and fertilizer storage permits
Pesticide applicator licensing
Waste pesticide and pesticide container
collection
Sustainable agriculture
Statewide pesticide management plan
Nitrogen fertilizer management
Investigation and clean up of agricultural
chemical contamination sites
Agricultural best management practices
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
(651) 201-5000
Responsibilities: regulation of wells and borings, wellhead protection measures for public water supplies,
ensuring the safety of public drinking water supplies and development of health risk limits.
Page 11
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Wellhead (source water) protection
Regulation of well installation, well repair and sealing of unused
(abandoned) wells
Ensuring the safety of public drinking water supplies
Development of health risk limits
(651) 201-4700
(651) 201-4600
(651) 201-4700
(651) 201-4901
Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS)
(612) 627-4780
Responsibilities: prepares geologic maps, publications and associated databases that describe the natural
framework of geologic materials that hosts and conveys ground water.
Conducts studies to understand the state’s hydrogeologic framework, ground-water resources and
ground-water conditions; provides data, reports and maps to communicate findings and provide
essential support to other organizations involved in ground-water management.
Characterizes aquifer systems and ground-water flow paths
Provides the hydrogeologic background information to better understand or predict how land use
might affect ground-water quality.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
(651) 296-6300 or (800) 657-3864
Responsibilities: water-quality monitoring and reporting, development of best management practices,
regulations to protect ground water from non-agricultural chemical contaminants, pollution-prevention
grants, technical assistance, environmental education resources, investigation and clean up of nonagricultural contamination sites.
If you have Internet access, you can find current contact information for specific topics, such as those
listed below, in the MPCA’s “Information Referral Index” Web document (in PDF format ). You may
also find the MPCA’s “Who to Call” Web page helpful.
Nonpoint sources of pollution (pollution
from widespread sources)
Clean Water Partnership and Section 319
financial assistance to local government for
investigation of pollution sources in local
surface and ground water
Feedlots and manure management
Individual sewage treatment systems (septic
systems) help for local governments
Business septic systems (Environmental
Protection Agency)
Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment
permitting
Land application of biosolids (sludge)
Hazardous waste from businesses
Solid waste facility permitting
Underground and above-ground storage tank
registration
Stormwater
Investigation and clean up of non-agricultural
contamination sites
Page 12
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Local Government Agencies
Many local government agencies are involved in ground-water issues. In Greater Minnesota, counties
develop and implement comprehensive local water plans. In the Twin Cities metropolitan area, counties
develop and implement specific ground-water plans. These plans include an evaluation of county water
resources and identify actions needed to protect them. See your county’s local water plan or ground-water
plan for information on ground-water issues in your area.
Local government agencies can often provide specific information about ground water in your area and, in
some counties, they may operate some state ground-water programs. So check locally first. The following
list of local organizations may be able to answer questions you have about ground-water issues. For
telephone numbers, try the government pages in your local telephone directory. Some categories to check
include “environmental services”, “public works” or “health services”.
County water-plan coordinators
County environmental offices
Community health services
City and county health departments
Tribal governments
Soil and water conservation districts
County offices of the Minnesota Extension
Service
Metropolitan Council in the Twin Cities area
City and county planning and zoning
departments
Web Sites for Local Government Agencies
This table is designed to help online viewers find web sites of local organizations that may have groundwater related information or expertise for your area. Please keep in mind that many web site addresses
change from time to time. If any of the web site links do not work anymore or you are viewing a paper
copy of this document, try searching for the web site with an Internet search engine.
Selected Web Sites for Local Government Agencies
Association of Minnesota Counties
Directory of County Web Sites: Web Page
Home: Web Page
League of Minnesota Cities
Directory: Web Page
Home: Web Page
Minnesota Association of Townships
Links to Townships Web Sites: Web Page
Home: Web Page
Minnesota North Star Web Site
Counties, Cities, Townships, etc.: Web Page
Home: Web Page
MN Assoc. of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
SWCDs on the Web: Web Page
Home: Web Page
Metropolitan Council
Water: Web Page
Home: Web Page
Page 13
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Federal Agencies
Even though most citizens’ questions and concerns regarding ground water are best handled at the
local and state level, federal agencies also play a valuable role in providing ground-water related
information and protecting and monitoring Minnesota’s ground water.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
(763) 783-3100
2280 Woodale Drive,
Mounds View, MN 55112
http://mn.water.usgs.gov/
The USGS collects and interprets water-resource data and information in selected areas of Minnesota.
USGS monitors ground-water levels, maps ground-water supplies, and studies ground-water quality. In
addition, the USGS regularly cooperates with state agencies on ground-water data
collection and analysis efforts.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region V
(312) 353-2000
77 West Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
http://www.epa.gov/region5/water/gwdw/
EPA is the federal agency charged with controlling and preventing pollution, and protecting the
nation’s natural environment. EPA sets standards for a variety of environmental programs and
provides partial funding for some of Minnesota’s ground-water related programs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
(651) 602-7900
U.S. Department of Agriculture
375 Jackson Street, Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101
http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/
NRCS provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to Minnesotans, in cooperation with
local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Planning and implementation activities provided by
NRCS focus on conserving natural resources on private lands, with an emphasis on positive
impacts on surface- and ground-water quality. NRCS also cooperates with other agencies on specific
ground-water quality projects in Minnesota.
Page 14
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
Featured Web Sites
This table is designed to provide online viewers with easy access to selected web sites. Please keep in mind
that many web site addresses change from time to time. If any of the web site links do not work anymore
or you are viewing a paper copy of this document, try searching for the web site with an Internet search
engine.
Selected Ground-Water Related Web Sites for Minnesota
DNR
Ground Water: Web Page
County Geologic Atlases: Web Page
Ground Water Level Monitoring: Web Page
Ground Water Sustainability: Web Page
MDH
Ground Water: Web Page
Well Management: Web Page
Wellhead Protection: Web Page
County Well Index: Web Page
MDA
Monitoring and Assessment: Web Page
What's In My Neighborhood?: Web Page
MPCA
Ground Water: Web Page
What’s in My Neighborhood?: Web Page
Ambient Monitoring: Web Page
EQB
Water Program: Web Page
BWSR
Metropolitan Ground Water Plans: Web Page
MGS
Home: Web Page
Publications: Web Page
University of Minnesota Extension
Environment: Web Page
USGS (Minnesota)
Water Science Center: Web Page
Publications: Web Page
Metropolitan Council
Water: Web Page
Minnesota Ground Water Association
Home: Web Page
Minnesota Ground-Water Information
Guide
Home: Web Page
Page 15
Minnesota Ground Water Directory
State Agency Regional Offices
State agencies have regional offices located around Minnesota. To contact state agency staff in the
regional office closest to you, use the list below:
Board of Water and
Soil Resources (BWSR)
www.bwsr.state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH)
www.health.state.mn.us
Bemidji (218) 755-4235
Brainerd (218) 828-2383
Duluth (218) 723-4752
Fergus Falls (218) 736-5445
Marshall (507) 537-6060
Mankato (507) 389-6784
New Ulm (507) 359-6074
Rochester (507) 281-7797
Twin Cities Metro (651) 297-2906
Bemidji (218) 308-2100
Duluth (218) 723-4642
Fergus Falls (218) 332-5150
Mankato (507) 389-2501
Marshall (507) 537-7151
Rochester (507) 285-7289
St. Cloud: (320) 223-7300
Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR)
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA)
www.pca.state.mn.us
Bemidji (218) 308-2620
Grand Rapids (218) 327-4416
New Ulm (507) 359-6053
St. Paul (651) 259-5774
Brainerd (218) 828-2492
Detroit Lakes (218) 847-1519
Duluth (218) 723-4660
Mankato (507) 389-5977
Marshall (507) 537-7146
Rochester (507) 285-7343
Willmar (320) 214-3786
The author would like to express his appreciation to the following organizations for their
contributions to this publication: Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil
Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Minnesota Geological
Survey, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Land Management Information Center,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S.
Geological Survey.
Page 16